City and Borough Assembly

ASSEMBLY CHAMBERS CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA 330 Harbor Drive Sitka, AK (907)747-1811 Minutes - Final City and Borough Assembly Mayor Steven Eisenbeisz, Deputy Mayor Kevin Mosher, Vice Deputy Mayor Timothy Pike, Thor Christianson, Chris Ystad, JJ Carlson, Scott Saline Municipal Administrator: John Leach Municipal Attorney: Brian Hanson Municipal Clerk: Sara Peterson Tuesday, January 9, 2024 6:00 PM Assembly Chambers REGULAR MEETING I. CALL TO ORDER II. FLAG SALUTE III. RECITAL OF LANDS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT IV. ROLL CALL Present: 6 - Christianson, Mosher, Ystad, Pike, Carlson, and Saline Absent: 1 - Eisenbeisz V. CORRESPONDENCE/AGENDA CHANGES No agenda changes. 24-007 Reminders, Calendars, and General Correspondence VI. CEREMONIAL MATTERS 24-006 Executive Proclamation by Governor Mike Dunleavy - Alaska Law Enforcement Appreciation Day Deputy Mayor Mosher read the proclamation signed by Governor Dunleavy. VII. SPECIAL REPORTS: Government to Government, Municipal Boards/Commissions/Committees, Municipal Departments, School District, Students and Guests (five minute time limit) None. CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 1 City and Borough Assembly Minutes - Final January 9, 2024 VIII. PERSONS TO BE HEARD Mike Finn commented on the Sitka Police Department (SPD), specificto All-Purpose Vehicles permitting. Sam Pointer spoke of employment issues at the SPD. IX. CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Christianson that the Consent Agenda consisting of items A, B, & C be APPROVED. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 6- Christianson, Mosher, Ystad, Pike, Carlson, and Saline Absent: 1- Eisenbeisz A 24-002 Approve the minutes of the December 26 Assembly meeting This item was APPROVED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. B RES 24-02 Adopting an alternative allocation method for the FY24 Shared Fisheries Business Tax Program and certifying that this allocation method fairly represents the distribution of significant effects of fisheries business activity in FMA 18: CENTRAL SOUTHEAST AREA This item was APPROVED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. Yes: 6- Christianson, Mosher, Ystad, Pike, Carlson, and Saline Absent: 1- Eisenbeisz C RES 24-03 Authorizing an application to the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management This item was APPROVED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. Yes: 6- Christianson, Mosher, Ystad, Pike, Carlson, and Saline Absent: 1- Eisenbeisz X. BOARD, COMMISSION, COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS D 24-001 Appoint Steve Lee to an unexpired term on the Police and Fire Commission Application withdrawn. No action taken. XI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: E ORD 23-27 Making supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2024 (Homeland Security Grant - Upgrade Security Doors and Police Radios) CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 2 City and Borough Assembly Minutes - Final January 9, 2024 A motion was made by Ystad that this Ordinance be APPROVED on SECOND AND FINAL READING. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 6- Christianson, Mosher, Ystad, Pike, Carlson, and Saline Absent: 1- Eisenbeisz XII. NEW BUSINESS: New Business First Reading F ORD 24-01A Amending Title 11 "Vehicles and Traffic" of the Sitka General Code by updating Chapter 11.75 "All-Purpose Vehicles" Sponsors Ystad and Pike provided an overview of the amendments. Mike Finn, Charity Bacon, Nick McGraw, Gary Cranford, Richard Williams, Roberta Bernhardt, and Valorie Nelson spoke in support. A motion was made by Ystad that this Ordinance be APPROVED on FIRST READING. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 6- Christianson, Mosher, Ystad, Pike, Carlson, and Saline Absent: 1- Eisenbeisz G ORD 24-02 Making supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2024 (Fishermen's Work Float Fortification) Harbormaster Stan Eliason stated the intent was to extend the life of the facility. A motion was made by Ystad that this Ordinance be APPROVED on FIRST READING. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 6- Christianson, Mosher, Ystad, Pike, Carlson, and Saline Absent: 1- Eisenbeisz Additional New Business Items H RES 24-01 Supporting House Bill 201: an act changing the residency requirements for hunting, trapping, and sport fishing privileges Sponsor Ystad provided a summary. A motion was made by Christianson that this Resolution be APPROVED on FIRST AND FINAL READING. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 6- Christianson, Mosher, Ystad, Pike, Carlson, and Saline Absent: 1- Eisenbeisz I 24-005 Discussion / Direction / Decision on the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation's Last Frontier Housing Initiative Funding Opportunity CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 3 City and Borough Assembly Minutes - Final January 9, 2024 Carlson disclosed employment details related to affordable housing and indicated her employment would end by the conclusion of January. Deputy Mayor Mosher ruled there was no conflict with Carlson's participation. Municipal Administrator Leach summarized the program details and requirements. The Assembly discussed, the majority of members expressed support, and decided Leach would send a non binding letter of intent. Will Peterson, Lillian Feldpausch, Robin Sherman, Cliff Richter, Annette Evans, and Leah Mason spoke in support. J 24-004 Formally accept the retirement notice of Municipal Attorney Brian Hanson and begin the recruitment process Members thanked Municipal Attorney Brian Hanson for his service. Deputy Mayor Mosher outlined next steps. A motion was made by Christianson that this Item be APPROVED. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 6- Christianson, Mosher, Ystad, Pike, Carlson, and Saline Absent: 1- Eisenbeisz K 24-003 Discussion / Direction on conducting an organization, job classification, and compensation study Municipal Administrator Leach told of plans for a reorganization and compensation study. Members expressed support. XIII. PERSONS TO BE HEARD: Sam Pointer spoke of employment issues at the Sitka Police Department. Austin Cranford thanked Municipal Attorney Brian Hanson and asked if candidates for the Municipal Attorney position would be informed about ongoing litigation. XIV. REPORTS a. Mayor, b. Administrator, c. Attorney, d. Liaison Representatives, e. Clerk, f. Other Liaison Representatives - Carlson provided the latest information regarding the Tourism Task Force. XV. EXECUTIVE SESSION None. XVI. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Ystad to ADJOURN. Hearing no objections, the meeting ADJOURNED at 7:52pm. ATTEST: ___________________________ Sara Peterson, MMC Municipal Clerk CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 4